Two firms have used Government-backed grants to fund investment in expansion and job creation.

Bradford catering equipment business Victor Manufacturing has used a grant to invest in metal folding machinery.

Managing director Mick Shaddock said the £300,000 equipment was the most advanced of its type in the UK and would be key to the firm’s growth. It would help create four new jobs, taking its workforce to 85.

Victor took advantage of the Leeds City region’s £20 million Business Growth Programme which uses money from the Government’s Regional Growth Fund to support local firms. Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg announced another £5.7 million of RGF money would be allocated to the region.

Mr Shaddock said: “We were advised of the Bus-iness Growth Programme by the Manufacturing Advisory Service when they heard that we were considering capital investment in two new press brake machines.

“The application process was straightforward and we received a speedy, and positive, response to our grant request. The grant we received enabled the investment to go ahead, and the two new machines will make a significant contribution to our planned growth.”

Keighley firm C&C Hydraulics is looking to apply for a second grant for equipment after using Business Growth Programme money to help fund a £114,000 investment in machinery to enable it produce larger hydraulic cylinders.

The company, which makes cylinders for agricultural equipment, material handling gear, tippers, road tankers and for use in theatre stages and film sets, made the investment after moving from Bingley to a £1.5 million base at Airedale Business Park. The investment has created four jobs.

Company secretary Lorraine Couch said: “The Business Growth Programme has had a really positive effect on our business, the application form was comparatively painless and therefore we would encourage other businesses to submit an application.”